Preparing your home for sale is critical in bagging the best prices from buyers. When your house fails to attract prospective buyers as soon as it is listed, its value may reduce. The preparation process is no easy task and will need you to master the art of it. The following steps will guide you through;
- Evaluate the Required Repairs and develop a Plan
Any element that may seem problematic will reduce the value of your home if not fixed. The best option is to fix it all, right from the squeaking door to more severe problems like plumbing problems. Apart from repairs that you can quickly identify, you could get a before-sale inspection, to determine deep lying issues. Go through every room and identify what needs repair. In case you are a D-I-Y enthusiast, you can carry out inexpensive simple fix-ups like painting or unclogging drains. Identify those repairs that need professional work and evaluate how much it will cost.
Do not attempt repairing issues you are incapable of as that is a huge red flag for buyers. It screams cheapskate and warns them that the house may have more serious underlying problems. They may also use such issues to negotiate for lower prices. You should also check appliances like washing machines, cookers, to ensure they are in perfect condition. Apart from the interiors, also check the exterior. Ensure there are no cracks on the wall, and the paint is not peeling off. Do not forget the landscape as well, as it improves the overall look of the home.
- Remove personal Items
The goal of a house visit is to help the buyer picture how the property could accommodate them. Therefore, having personal items such as family portraits or graduation certificates may hinder that view. The buyer may feel like they are intruding in another person’s home. To neutralize the house, remove items like your music collections, religious symbols, hobby supplies, or other issues that personalizes the house. Additional elements, such as wind chimes or bird feathers that may not seem, personal, present a sense of clatter. Listings at platforms like Movoto.com provide an excellent example of neutral spaces that let buyers experience the areas.
- Neutralize the odors
Odors naturally put off potential buyers. This may make them overlook other great features of the home. However, using strong scents like essential oils, plugins, or candles is not a lucrative move. When the scents are too strong, the buyer may think there are odors you are trying to mask. Therefore, you need to strive to make your house smell clean. Activities like removing gym bags, shoes, or any other items with funky smells will make the home smell clean. Additionally, you can avoid eating in the home and open the windows frequently to let in the fresh air.
- Focus on the Front Door
The front door is the first thing the buyer views. It is in your best interest to ensure it’s in perfect condition. Start the revamp right from the mailbox. Clean it with soap, cloth, and lukewarm water. In case it is broken, replace it. Update the front porch by removing those screens and storm doors. This are among things that make your house feel outdated. Ensure the front is well lit and clear any cobwebs in the area. Use modern mats that make the home feel warm as soon as people enter. You could also paint the door to give it that pop.
- Declutter
Buyers are extensive when examining a possible purchase. They will look into your kitchen drawers, closet, bathroom drawers, to make sure they are purchasing the right home. If you have a lot of stuff, it is advisable to get outside storage, where you could store items unnecessary for the showing. Arrange clothes neatly in the closets. Clean the bathroom drawers and remove any medication from the cabinets. For the kitchen, get rid of unnecessary accessories that make space feel cramped up and small. Remember to clean the refrigerator and remove any stickers.
- Get all your Warranties in Order
Buyers are keen to avoid a rip-off. Anything that offers them some security in the sale is a huge plus. Therefore, collect all paperwork for the appliances in the house. You can keep them at the top of the kitchen drawer or any other safe space. This will score you some points with the buyer.
Final Step
When preparing a house for sale, you need to be objective. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and strive to make the experience pleasant. You could check out other listings to understand the standards required when showing a house. A good showing will most likely translate into a successful sale. The house tour makes or breaks the deal.
